U.S. patent number 4,072,385 [Application Number 05/731,559] was granted by the patent office on 1978-02-07 for bayonet connection between two electrically conductive components.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Schurter AG. Invention is credited to Peter Wallner.
United States Patent |
4,072,385 |
Wallner |
February 7, 1978 |
Bayonet connection between two electrically conductive
components
Abstract
A bayonet connection between two electrically conductive
components, especially for fuse holders, wherein at least one
connection component possesses an electrically conductive spring
which is electrically conductively connected with the one
connection component. This spring, when there is established a
connection between the connection components, electrically
conductively contacts the second connection component.
Inventors: |
Wallner; Peter (Kriens,
CH) |
Assignee: |
Schurter AG (Luzern,
CH)
|
Family
ID: |
4393730 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/731,559 |
Filed: |
October 12, 1976 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Oct 21, 1975 [CH] |
|
|
13594/75 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/335;
337/236 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H
85/542 (20130101); H01R 4/54 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01H
85/54 (20060101); H01H 85/00 (20060101); H01H
085/16 (); H01R 013/54 () |
Field of
Search: |
;339/88R,9C,9F,93L,117R,15F,181R,181C,187,188R,21R,253R,255R
;337/227,231,239,236,238 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Lake; Roy
Assistant Examiner: Desmond; E. F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kleeman; Werner W.
Claims
Accordingly, what is claimed is:
1. A bayonet connection between two electrically conductive
components, especially for a fuse holder, comprising a pair of
connection components, one of the connection components possessing
an electrically conductive spring, said spring being electrically
conductively connected with said one connection component, said one
connection component has at least one hook-like part provided with
a mouth, and said spring comprises an elongate component primarily
extending in the peripheral direction and protruding into said
mouth of said hook-like part, said spring, when the two connection
components are operatively interconnected, electrically
conductively contacting the other connection component and uring
said other connection component towards said hook-like part.
2. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 1, wherein the spring
is formed of one-piece with said one connection component.
3. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 1, wherein the one
connection component possesses a flexed substantially cylindrical
jacket and is provided at an end thereof with at least one
substantially hook-like part, the other connection component having
a locking pin engaging in said hook-like part.
4. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 1, wherein each of
said two connection components comprises an at least approximately
equal diameter cylindrical jacket portion at an end of which there
are provided oppositely directed substantially hook-shaped parts
extending in the peripheral direction, at least one of the
hook-shaped parts having associated therewith said spring.
5. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 1, wherein said one
connection component is flexed as a substantially cylindrical
jacket and is provided at one end with at least one substantially
hook-like part, the other connection component having a flexed flap
member engaging with said hook-like part.
6. A bayonet connection between two electrically conductive
components, especially for a fuse holder, comprising a pair of
connection components, one of the connection components possessing
an electrically conductive spring, said spring being electrically
conductively connected with said one connection component, said
spring, when the two connection components are operatively
interconnected, electrically conductively contacting the other
connection component, each of said two connection components
comprises an at least approximately equal diameter cylindrical
jacket portion at an end of which there are provided oppositely
directed substantially hook-shaped parts extending in the
peripheral direction, at least one of the hook-shaped parts having
associated therewith said spring.
7. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 6, wherein said at
least one hook-like part has a mouth, and said spring comprises an
elongate component primarily extending in the peripheral direction
and protruding into said mouth of said hook-like part.
8. A bayonet connection between two electrically conductive
components, especially for a fuse holder, comprising a pair of
connection components, one of the connection components possessing
an electrically conductive spring, said spring being electrically
conductively connected with said one connection component, said
spring, when the two connection components are operatively
interconnected, electrically conductively contacting the other
connection component, said one connection component possesses a
flexed substantially cylindrical jacket and is provided at an end
thereof with at least one substantially hook-like part, the other
connection component having a locking pin engaging in said
hook-like part, the hook-like part has a mouth, and said spring is
constructed as an elongate part extending primarily in the
peripheral direction and protruding into said mouth of said
hook-like part.
9. A bayonet connection between two electrically conductive
components, especially for a fuse holder, comprising a pair of
connection components, one of the connection components possessing
an electrically conductive spring, said spring being electrically
conductively connected with said one connection component, said
spring, when the two connection components are operatively
interconnected, electrically conductively contacting the other
connection component, said one connection component is flexed as a
substantially cylindrical jacket and is provided at one end with at
least one substantially hook-like part, the other connection
component having a flexed flap member engaging with said hook-like
part.
10. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 9, wherein the
hook-like part has a mouth, and the spring is constructed as an
elongate part extending primarily in the peripheral direction and
protruding into the mouth of said hook-like part.
11. A bayonet connection between two electrically conductive
components, especially for a fuse holder, comprising a pair of
connection components, one of the connection components possessing
an electrically conductive spring, said spring being electrically
conductively connected with said one connection component, said one
connection component has at least one hook-like part provided with
a mouth, and said spring comprises an elongate component primarily
extending in the axial direction and in front of said mouth of said
hook-like part, said spring, when the two connection components are
operatively interconnected, electrically conductively contacting
the other connection component and urging said other connection
component towards said hook-like part.
12. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 11, wherein the
spring is formed of one-piece with said connection component.
13. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 11, wherein each of
said two connection components comprises an at least approximately
equal diameter cylindrical jacket portion at an end of which there
are provided oppositely directed substantially hook-shaped parts
extending in the peripheral direction, at least one of the
hook-shaped parts having associated therewith said spring.
14. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 11, wherein the one
connection component possesses a flexed substantially cylindrical
jacket and is provided at an end thereof with at least one
substantially hook-like part, the other connection component having
a locking pin engaging in said hook-like part.
15. The bayonet connection as defined in claim 11, wherein said one
connection component is flexed as a substantially cylindrical
jacket and is provided at one end with at least one substantially
hook-like part, the other connection component having a flexed flap
member engaging with said hook-like part.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a new and improved construction of
bayonet connection between two electrically conductive components,
especially for a fuse holder.
Conventional fuse holders possess a socket and a head detachable
from the socket. The fuse element or cartridge partially is
inserted in the head and at that location contacts a connection
line or conductor and is pressed by means of a spring against the
base contact of the socket, whereas the end of the fuse element at
the side of the head is connected via a connection line or
conductor with a side contact of the socket. Due to the spring
effective between the fuse element and the head, and which urges
the fuse element against the base contact of the socket, the head
is pre-biased to a certain extent towards the outside. Now if a
force is applied to the head then the latter approaches the fuse
element, with the result that such penetrates deeper into the
socket. The conventional bayonet connections, serving for
connecting the connection line at the side of the head and the side
or lateral contact at the side of the socket, only then afford a
reliable electrical connection when the head is retained by the
spring in its outermost position. Upon penetration of the head into
the socket the mutually contacting components of the bayonet
connection are raised from one another, so that some of these type
fuse holders can be considered to constitute key switches, in other
words pulse switches. This behavior is not only present upon
contact of the head, rather also is conceivable during jarring or
vibrations. Nonetheless, a bayonet connection between the
connection conductor and the side contact affords considerable
advantages in relation to other types of connections. A friction
closure, which of course is not capable of retaining the head in
the socket, must be secured by the provision of an additional
closure between the head and the socket, whether such be
accomplished by threading or by a bayonet connection. This not only
is associated with a considerably greater expenditure, but
furthermore, also presupposes the possibility of appropriately
increasing the dimensions of the fuse holder, something which is
hardly possible when miniaturization and micro-miniaturization is
desired. Moreover, friction closures, as is known, also have
additional drawbacks. A direct threaded connection between the side
or lateral contact and the connection conductor is problematic,
especially when the fuse holder possesses small dimensions, and as
to the manufacture thereof of course is not as advantageous as is
the case with bayonet closures or connections. Additionally, such
type of threaded closure has the inherent drawback that it does not
constitute a quick-release or operating closure. Further drawbacks
of screw or thread connections are well known in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Hence, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved construction of bayonet connection between two
electrically conductive components which is not associated with the
aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of the prior art
proposals.
Another and more specific object of the present invention aims at
providing a new and improved construction of a bayonet lock or
connection between electrically conductive components, especially
suitable for a fuse holder, but also for other electrical
components, and which does not possess the drawbacks of the
heretofore known bayonet connections as have been discussed
above.
Now in order to implement these and still further objects of the
invention, which will become more readily apparent as the
description proceeds, the invention contemplates providing a
bayonet connection or lock between electrically conductive
components, especially for a fuse holder, which according to the
invention is manifested by the features that at least one
connection component possesses an electrically conductive spring
which is electrically conductively connected with said one
connection component, and this spring, when there is established a
connection between the connection components, electrically
conductively contacts the second connection component.
Now if with a fuse holder force is applied to the head in the
previously mentioned manner, then, while the mutually contacting
connection components would be raised from one another owing to the
spring acting between the head and the fuse insert, however the
contact between the spring of the one connection component and the
other connection component would be maintained, even in fact
increased owing to deformation of the spring, so that there would
not be present any wobble contact in the manner of a key
switch.
The inventive bayonet connection is advantageously equipped with a
spring which is contacted in the joint direction, i.e. in the axial
direction of the components, As a result, it can be formed of
one-piece with the corresponding connection component in an
especially simple manner. However, it is also possible to attach
such type spring or a different kind of spring at the relevant
connection component, for instance by rivets or welding, which
however is less preferred. The main advantage of the one-piece
fabrication is then realized if the relevant bayonet connection
component is stamped from a sheet metal piece and, for instance,
subsequently bent into a substantially cylindrical jacket or shell
for the side contact of the fuse holder. It is then possible to
stamp the aforesaid from the same sheet metal piece, and
specifically, in such a manner that it penetrates into the mouth of
the hook-like parts of the relevant connection component, into
which then there engages the counter-piece of the other connection
component during joining and rotation. The spring can then
advantageously extend primarily in the peripheral direction of the
cylindrical jacket-like component or part, so that upon rotation of
the bayonet connection it is not particularly markedly deformed.
With such construction it also does not have any steep shoulders,
which likewise is necessary to achieve rotation of the connection
components with low friction.
A preferred embodiment of bayonet connection is manifested by the
features that the connection components are constructed at the ends
of at least approximately equal diameter cylindrical jacket or
shell portions in the form of hook-like parts which are oppositely
directed and extend in the peripheral direction. At least one
hook-like part is associated with the spring. This construction
allows the diameter of the connection to be maintained particularly
small, because it does not require any parts which successively
follow one another in radial direction.
According to another preferred construction of bayonet connection
the one connection component can be bent in a substantially
cylindrical jacket-like manner and is provided at its one end with
at least one hook-like part into which engages the second
connection component with a locking or engaging pin or by means of
a tab or flap flexed therefrom. This bayonet-like connection is,
for instance, also suitable for use with lamp sockets.
Advantageously, the connection component equipped with the
hook-like parts is also equipped with the spring. Also in this case
the spring is advantageously arranged such that it extends in the
form of an elongate structure into the mouth of the hook-like part,
this elongate structure extending primarily in the peripheral
direction. The spacing between this spring and the hook-like part,
by definition, should not be smaller than the diameter of the
locking pin or the thickness of the flexed tab or flap
respectively, because the spring must engage the locking pin and
flap, as the case may be, in the locked condition.
From what has been discussed above it is of course possible to
carry out modifications if the spring is differently arranged, in
other words should not contact, in the mouth of the hook-like part,
the there located part of the other connection component, rather if
such is constructed in a manner that it contacts the other
connection component at some other location. Such different type of
spring, for instance an axially extending spring can be associated
with a number of difficulties, especially during the
micro-miniaturization, because the length of the spring of course
should not exceed a certain size if it should not be too hard or if
its spring path should not be too short.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than
those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is
given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a conventional
fuse holder;
FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged detailed showing of part of the
bayonet connection of the arrangement of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a bayonet closure-connection component of a
bayonet connection or closure of the invention and used as a side
or lateral contact of a fuse holder;
FIG. 4 illustrates a bayonet closure of the invention with the
component shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 illustrates a flat wound portion of the bayonet closure or
connection on an enlarged scale relative to the showing of FIG.
4;
FIG. 6 is a view of the upper bayonet closure component looking in
the direction of the arrow VI of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a similar view to that of FIG. 5 of a different exemplary
embodiment of a bayonet closure piece; FIG. 8 is a view of the
upper bayonet closure component looking in the direction of the
arrow VIII of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an illustration, similar to the showing of FIGS. 5 and 7,
of a third embodiment of a bayonet closure piece;
FIG. 10 is a view of the upper bayonet closure portion looking in
the direction of the arrow X of FIG. 9; and
FIG. 11 is an illustration, similar to the showing of FIG. 4, of
another embodiment of bayonet connection or closure constructed
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Describing now the drawings, the fuse holder shown in FIG. 1,
exemplifying the prior art, will be seen to comprise a socket 1 and
a head or head member 2 inserted therein. The socket housing 3
consists of insulating material and is secured by means of a spring
disk 4 at a plate 5, which for instance can be part of the
apparatus housing or a switching panel. At the base or floor 1' of
the socket opening 1" there is arranged the base contact 6 whereas
somewhat above the socket base 1' there is mounted in the socket
opening 1" the side or lateral contact 7. This side contact 7
possesses two inwardly flexed flaps or tabs 7' which, in the
illustrated locked position of the head 2, are connected in a
bayonet-locking manner with the counter-flaps 8 of the connection
conductor 9 of the head 2. The connection conductor 9 is a
substantially bell-shaped structure which is fixedly inserted in
the insulated part 10 of the head 2. Internally of the connection
conductor 9 there is arranged a spring 11 acting upon the end of
the fuse element or cartridge 12 inserted into the head or head
member 2 and such spring presses the fuse element 12 with its
base-end snugly against the base contact 6.
A contact ring 13 welded to the connection conductor 9 ensures for
a good electrical connection between the end of the fuse insert or
cartridge 12 located at the region of the head 2 and the connection
conductor 9. In the position shown in FIG. 1 the fuse insert 12
therefore is positively connected with the side contact 7 and the
base contact 6. Yet, these conditions change as soon as even only
slight pressure is exerted against the head or head member 2 in the
direction of the arrow D. As soon as the head 2 moves into the
socket 1, then, as shown particularly well in FIG. 2, the flaps or
tabs 7' and 8' of the side contact 7 and the connection conductor
9, respectively, are spaced from one another in the manner
indicated in FIG. 2, so that there is formed a gap S, resulting in
interruption of current flow. Consequently, there is present the
previously mentioned key-like function of the fuse holder.
The construction of bayonet closure as shown in FIG. 1 has only
been selected because this type of bayonet closure or connection
demonstrates extremely well the afore-discussed loose contact. On
the other hand, there will be considered hereinafter with regard to
FIGS. 3-9 connections or closures which are of advantageous
practical significance and, especially, the diameter of which can
be made smaller.
The bayonet closure illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 is conceived as a
connection for a side contact and a connection conductor. The side
contact or component 70 is constructed essentially as a cylindrical
jacket-like structure, as best seen by referring to FIG. 3, and at
its end possesses two substantially hook-like portions 71 and 72 of
practically the same construction. Additionally, there is provided
a spring 73 which is stamped from the same sheet metal piece, this
spring 73 extending into the mouth 74 of the hook-like part 71. As
best recognized by referring to FIG. 4 the counter-element of the
part 70, and which here constitutes the connection conductor, is
designated by reference character 90 and will be seen to possess
two similar hook-shaped parts 80 which engage with the hook-like
parts 71 and 72 of the component 70. The front hook-like part 80 of
the showing of FIG. 4, when in its engaged position, contacts the
spring 73 which is thus downwardly deflected out of the phantom
line rest position.
The comments which have just been made with regard to the
embodiment of FIG. 4 are equally applicable to the embodiment of
FIG. 5. These comments also are useful in understanding the
embodiments of FIG. 7-9. In FIG. 7 there will be recognized the
component 70' which is extremely similar to the component 70 of
FIG. 5. The component 70' possesses a hook-shaped portion 71' and a
spring 73'. Instead of the component 90 of FIG. 5 there could be
used, in this case, the component 90' which similarly constitutes a
connection conductor, wherein, however, in place of the hook-like
component 80 of FIG. 5 there is here provided a straight flap or
tab 80' having a locking or engaging pin 81. The parts 80', 90' and
81 have been shown with greater clarity in FIG. 8.
Also the component 70" of FIG. 9 is quite similar to the component
70 of FIG. 5 and will be seen to possess a substantially hook-like
portion 71" as well as a spring 73". The component 90", as best
seen by also referring to FIG. 10, again is conceived as a
connection conductor, and it has a flap or tab 80" similar to the
flap 80" of FIGS. 7 and 8, but instead of the locking pin 81 of
FIGS. 7 and 8, here there is provided a flexed or angled portion
81" of the flap 80".
In contrast to the showing of FIG. 5, the exemplary embodiments of
FIGS. 7 and 9 have the apparent drawback that the parts 71', 80'
and 71", 80", respectively, come to bear above one another in
radial direction, i.e. in this case perpendicular to the plane of
the drawing, so that when used in a fuse holder there is required a
greater diameter than for the construction of FIG. 5. On the other
hand, the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 9 are, for instance,
especially suitable for use as lamp fixtures, and the components
90' and 90", respectively, can be considered to constitute lamp
sockets.
The bayonet connection or closure illustrated in FIG. 11 possesses
a side contact portion 700 with end hooks 710 and 720. Arranged
forwardly of the hook 710 is an axial spring 730 which resiliently
bears against the inclined shoulder 800' of the hook 800 of the
connection conductor 900. Since the spring 730 must have a certain
minimum length, there is needed a larger structural length than
with the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4. Of course, the embodiment of
FIG. 11 could also be constructed as a variant construction like
those of FIGS. 5-10.
While there are shown and described present preferred embodiments
of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the
invention is not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously
embodied and practiced within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *